“That’s it,” Joel said, looking around. “We’re definitely in trouble. There’s no way Emily could convince Saturn to help Olympus. He’s too busy being a dictator.”
“Have you come from Olympus?” a strong-looking young man asked as he stepped forward. He was fiercely muscled with light blond hair and shocking green eyes. He was wearing a tunic styled much like they wore on Olympus, but his left shoulder had a gold emblem emblazoned on it.
“Yes,” Joel said. “But we’re not here to attack you. We need Saturn’s help.”
“I do not fear attack from you, human,” the young man said. “I want to ask if you know a woman called Fiora. She is my mother.”
“Your mother is Olympian?”
He nodded. “I am Argon, warrior of first rank in Saturn’s forces. My mother and I were separated just after the war, a long time ago. I have not seen her since I was very young. I joined the force, hoping to find her.”
“I am sorry,” Paelen said. “I do not know such a woman. But I am sure she is safe.”
“If you are from Olympus, why have you come here?” the bird woman asked.
“Because Olympus is being destroyed, and we need Saturn’s help to save it.”
“Destroyed!” Argon cried. “You must take me there immediately. I have to find my mother.”
“You help us get out of here, and you can come back with us,” Joel said. “But you won’t like what you find. Olympus is in ruins.”
“I care only that my mother is safe.”
“We must hurry!” Jai-me said. “They may soon discover we have escaped.”
Paelen looked back at the large group that was following them. “Please, you must not all come with us. We will draw too much attention. Go the other way. Find your own way to freedom.”
But no matter what he said, the group of escaping prisoners continued to follow them. Paelen realized it was true. These were not hardened criminals. They were innocent people looking for help and a way out of their imprisonment.
They passed through another bright, clean, empty cell block until they reached a new corridor. “Down at the end is where they lock the prisoners’ items,” Jai-me said. He clopped forward and reached the door. It too was locked, but it soon surrendered to his magic.
Joel and Paelen ran inside and searched for the sack containing the second Solar Stream gemstone. But despite the many items inside the storage room, it was not among them. “It’s not here!” Joel said angrily.
“Perhaps they gave it to Saturn,” Paelen offered. “It may be at his palace with Emily.”
“That’s just great,” Joel said. “Fist he takes Emily, and now he’s got our only way off this rock. How the heck are we supposed to get into Saturn’s palace?”
“Joel, calm down,” Agent B said. “The fastest way to get captured is to panic. Now, what do we know about the palace?”
“It’s big and made of marble?” Paelen offered.
“Be serious,” Agent B snapped.
“I am. How do you expect us to know anything about Saturn’s palace? Let alone how to get into it?”
“I know a way in,” Jai-me offered. “That was how I got into trouble in the first place. I have found a secret entrance.” He looked at Paelen. “But you told me not to do that anymore.”
“That is true,” Paelen said. “And I meant it. But we do not wish to go there to thieve. We must find our friend and the gemstone that will take us home.”
“So it is different?”
“Yes,” Paelen said. “Will you show us the way?”
When the boy nodded, Agent B said, “Perfect.” He looked down at his clothes and then to Joel and Paelen in their jeans and shirts. “But we’re not going anywhere dressed like we’ve just come from Earth. We need to blend in.”
Joel nodded and went back into the storage locker. He came back holding up items of clothing. “There’s plenty of stuff in here.”
“Clothing is my specialty,” the bird woman said, stepping forward. “If you really want to look like a Titan, you must trust me.”
• • •
Within minutes, Saturn’s designer had them looking like they had lived on Titus all their lives. When they were ready, the large group of prisoners followed Jai-me through the maze of the building.
Joel kept looking around. “If this is a prison, why are there no guards?”
“Because the cells are impossible to open,” Jai-me said. “So far, I am the only one who has ever succeeded.”
“So there are no guards?” Agent B asked.
Jai-me shook his head. “Not that I have ever seen. They are only here when there is a new prisoner to lock inside or release.”
“Which isn’t very often,” Argon added.
After a few more turns, they were led up to the doors in the back of the building. Jai-me used his powers to open them, and everyone slipped outside into the bright sunshine.
“All right,” Agent B said, taking over. “Everyone wanted out of the prison. You are out. But you can’t stay with us. We need to move quickly and not worry about stragglers. Trust me. You are much safer away from us than with us.”
Most of the prisoners agreed. They offered their thanks and drifted away. But Argon remained. “I am a trained warrior in Saturn’s forces and can help you. In exchange, you will take me with you to Olympus so I may find my mother.”
Joel looked at the others. “Not until you tell us why you were in prison.”
Argon shrugged. “I had a disagreement with my commander, and he took exception to my comments.”
“And they locked you away for that?” Paelen said.
“Yes,” Argon said. “My commander was Hyperion.”
Agent B frowned. “There seems to be a pattern here. All roads lead to Saturn or his family.”
“And to prison,” Paelen said. “We must get Emily away from him as soon as possible.” He looked down at Jai-me. “Take us to the palace as quickly as you can.”
Thanks to the workings of the bird woman, they were able to walk around in daylight without causing too much interest. A few people paused to stare at Joel with his exposed silver arm, and Agent B. But they did not approach.
“They sense you are human,” Argon explained. “And cannot understand how you are here. But because I am with you, they should not challenge us.”
Paelen was grateful to have one of Saturn’s warriors with them. Each time someone looked at them strangely, Argon gave them a warning look that kept them walking.
“I must learn that look,” Paelen said, screwing up his face and trying to look threatening.
Joel shook his head. “It’ll never work for you.”
“Why?”
“Because you look like a constipated raccoon doing that.”
“Oh . . .”
“Boys, that’s enough,” Agent B warned.
As they walked, they told Argon and Jai-me about the mutant Titans attacking Olympus and their plans to bring their ferocious appetites to Titus.
“Will they really come here?” Jai-me asked fearfully.
“If we don’t stop them, they will,” Joel said. “That’s why we’re here. We were hoping that Saturn and his strongest fighters might join the fight to stop them.”
“I cannot see that happening,” Argon said. “Ever since the Xan brought us all back here from Earth, Saturn has changed. I do not know that he cares about anything anymore. He spends all his days at the palace. We rarely see him.”
“Wait,” Joel said, stopping. “Are you saying you were in Hawaii?”
Argon nodded. “After we escaped Tartarus, we were ordered to Earth. I did as I was commanded to do. But before I could engage the Olympians there, the Xan stopped us. We were all delivered back here and warned from fighting with the Olympians. We are never to use the Solar Stream again.”
“Olympus was given the same warning,” Paelen said. “Though we have been given permission to use the Solar Stream to visit a few worlds. Coming here was not one of those, but we
had no choice. Not if we hope to save Olympus.”
“Then we must fight for both our worlds,” Argon said.
“There it is,” Jai-me called. He pointed to a massive marble palace standing tall and proud. It was easily double the size of every building around it. “That is Saturn’s palace. My secret entrance is at the side.”
“Wow!” Joel cried. “I thought Jupiter’s palace was big, but that place is gargantuan!”
Argon nodded. “It may appear peaceful, but do not be fooled. Saturn has a lot of protection here. Getting in to find your friend will not be easy. I just wish I had my weapon with me.”
“I know where the armory is,” Jai-me offered. “We will walk past it when we enter. They have lots of weapons down there.”
“Perfect,” Agent B said to the satyr. “Lead on.”
They continued walking toward the palace, but as they drew near to the large steps leading up to the front entrance, they stopped. A number of guards were waiting outside.
“Those are Hyperion’s guards,” Argon said. “Your friend must still be inside.”
“Why post them out here?” Agent B said. “Saturn knows who Emily is and what she’s capable of. Why wasn’t she escorted by all of them?”
“Because there are stronger guards hidden inside,” Argon said. “You will not see them, but they are there. I was once offered a position in the palace, but I turned it down. I do not relish the thoughts of spending all day or night hidden inside a hollow pillar or behind a wall waiting to be called upon.”
“So it’s a fortress,” Joel said.
“Yes, I am afraid so.”
Jai-me shook his head. “Perhaps it is. But if you know where to go, you can avoid being seen.” He turned away from the guards and walked along the front of the palace until they reached the end.
“It is down here,” the satyr said as he led them along the side of the immense palace. He looked around to make sure no one was watching and pointed toward the back. “Follow me. We have to run into that flower bush.”
He darted off first, followed by Joel, Paelen, and Chrysaor. Finally Agent B and Argon brought up the rear. They forced themselves into the flowering bush, grunting and complaining.
“You never said it had thorns!” Joel cried as the thorns cut into his bare legs.
“I am sure I did,” Jai-me said.
“No, you did not,” Paelen muttered as he winced when a sharp thorn caught his cheek.
“We’re being ripped to shreds,” Joel complained as he struggled to follow the small satyr.
“It is not my fault if you are giants.” Jai-me made it to the back of the bush, where it butted against the white marble wall of the palace. “Down here there is a loose stone that can be removed.”
He slipped his thin fingers into the small seals around the stone and started to pull. The marble block was almost bigger than him, but despite his size, he was strong enough to pull it out of the wall.
Paelen and Joel looked at each other and their eyebrows rose. “That little guy is stronger than he looks!” Joel said.
“I am,” Jai-me agreed. “Now, it might be a bit tight for you, but try to squeeze through. We will arrive in the storage room.”
Jai-me was first to slip into the palace, followed by Paelen and then Joel. It was soon apparent that Chrysaor could not fit through the hole. Instead he agreed to keep watch from the bush and call instructions.
Agent B forced himself through, followed by Argon. They landed on the floor of the storage room, and Paelen’s eyes went wide at the sight of all the valuable items strewn around.
“I would be a wealthy man if I owned half of these things.”
Jai-me grinned. “I am a wealthy man because of the things I have taken from in here.”
“No,” Joel corrected. “You’re a wealthy boy who still likes to get into trouble.”
Jai-me shrugged his shoulders. “But at least I know where I am going.”
Argon shook his head and sighed. “Enough chatter. We do not have time to play. Just show us the armory.”
Both Paelen and Jai-me said, “Who is playing?” at the exact same time.
Joel shook his head. “See what I mean? Twins.”
“Boys.” Agent B sighed.
Jai-me crept forward through the piles of discarded golden furniture and pieces of art. He finally stopped before a set of double doors. Pressing his ear to the door, he nodded. “We are alone. Come. The armory is this way.”
They slipped into a long, dark corridor that held many doors. The satyr moved with the confidence of one who had been in here many times. He stopped before an unmarked door. “This is it.”
Everyone was stunned when they entered and saw what had to be thousands of weapons mounted to the walls, on tables, and heaped into piles on the floor.
“There are enough here to defeat Olympus twice!” Paelen cried.
Jai-me nodded. “Perhaps, but Saturn had all the weapons gathered up and locked in here. Only a few of the guards carry swords now.”
“I wonder if Riza’s dad had something to do with this,” Joel said. “Only a Xan could get the Titans to surrender their weapons.”
“We did not surrender them,” Argon said. “We chose to put them down. War is wasteful, and none of us have a taste for it anymore.”
“But you attacked us a short time ago,” Joel said. “You even came to Hawaii to get us.”
“And we paid for that mistake,” Argon said. “When we were returned to Titus by the Xan, everyone agreed that the time for warring was over.”
“But you’re still in Saturn’s forces,” Joel said. “You said so yourself.”
“Yes, I am. I joined to defend Titus against the Olympians, not to attack them. What happened recently was a reaction to being locked away in Tartarus for so long. Now that we have our own world back, there is no need to fight.”
Agent B nodded. “Well, I hope you all have one fight left in you. Those mutant Titans destroying Olympus will soon set their sights on here if they’re not stopped.”
“We will,” Argon said. He reached forward and lifted up a sword. “I do not wish to fight my brothers here in the palace, but to free your friend and get to Olympus, I will.”
“Hopefully, it won’t come to that,” Agent B said. He picked up his own sword and nodded at it appreciatively. He turned to the satyr. “Does this palace have dungeons? Where would Saturn keep Emily?”
“Why would Saturn need a dungeon when he has the prison?”
“I don’t know, but he’s got to keep important prisoners somewhere,” Agent B said.
“There is one place he may keep her,” Jai-me said. “There is a small chamber off of the throne room.”
Paelen nodded. “Take us there.”
Once everyone was armed, the small satyr led them back into the corridor. “We will take the back stairs,” he said softly. “They are always quiet.”
They followed Jai-me through the bowels of the palace, keeping to the lesser used passageways and stairs. On two occasions they saw servants in the corridor. But Argon once again used his rank and position to get them out of trouble.
“Maybe we should wait until night,” Jai-me suggested. “It is always quieter at night.”
Paelen shook his head. “We do not have time to waste. If Saturn is not going to help us, we must get back to Olympus to do whatever we can to help them.”
“But we will be seen and captured.”
Argon stopped. “He is right. But that also gives me an idea.” He approached Joel and Paelen. “Give me your weapons.”
“We can’t fight without them,” Joel complained.
“That is the point. Most of the guards in here will not yet have heard of my imprisonment. We might get farther through the palace if it looks as though I captured you. Then, if we are challenged, I will give you back your weapons and we will fight our way though.”
Agent B inhaled deeply and looked at Joel and Paelen. “He’s right. We’re in Saturn’s stronghol
d. It’s too busy during the day to sneak in. We’ll have to face them head-on.”
“We are so dead,” Joel said.
“Not necessarily,” Agent B said. “They won’t be expecting us. We’re already inside the building. Most of the guards are posted outside. We’ll just have to bluff our way through the rest of it to get to Emily.”
Joel reluctantly handed over his weapon to Argon.
“If you are certain there is no other way,” Paelen said as he too surrendered his weapon.
“I can think of none,” Argon said.
Agent B nodded. “There isn’t. Not here, not now. Just be ready to take your sword back at a moment’s notice.”
Argon received the swords into his arms. “All right, I will stay at the rear. Jai-me, you lead us in to where you believe they are holding the girl. If we encounter any resistance, come to me for your weapons.”
As they started to walk up the stairs, Joel looked at Paelen. “If this doesn’t work, we won’t have to worry about Olympus. These guys will kill us first.”
“Do you have another suggestion?” Agent B asked.
Joel looked back at him and shook his head. “No. That’s the trouble.”
They made their way to the main level of the palace, passing several servants and even a couple of guards. When they saw Argon holding his weapon up and the other weapons in his arms, they nodded to him and kept walking.
Paelen watched everyone responding to Argon and leaned closer to Joel. “Who is this Argon?”
Joel shrugged. “I thought he might be one of the Argonauts.”
Argon heard the comment and said, “No, Joel, I did not serve on the ship Argo. It was Olympian. But my mother told me about it and said she named me after it.”
Paelen looked back at Joel. “What is the Argo?”
“A guy called Jason used it to find the Golden Fleece,” Joel said. “I’ll tell you about it later—if there is a later.”
They continued through the main floor of the palace unchallenged. But when they neared the throne room, everything changed.
“Argon?” a voice called from behind them. “Why are you not in prison?”
Everyone turned and saw one of the guards that had escorted them to their prison cell. When his eyes lit on Paelen and the others, he started to shout, “Guards, guards, set off the alarms. The Olympians are attacking the palace!”